In April I’ll be heading to LA to visit my boyfriend. I typically get a connecting flight as it gives Isla time to go on a bathroom break, rather than having to hold for the very long flight to California. The last time I flew there we stopped over in the US, however this time we are changing flights in Iceland instead. The flight was considerably cheaper, a reasonable length and worked around my schedule.

With a new country comes a new list of animal regulations to get to grips with, and travelling to Iceland certainly gives me a few things to think about. Much like the UK they are strict about animals entering the country and so I’ve had to read over the rules carefully.

Thankfully they are also very efficient and I easily found the information I needed!

Here’s what you need to know if you are getting a connecting flight through Iceland and have a guide dog:

You need to get authorisation to bring your dog into the country. Even if you’re only going to be in the airport for a couple of hours it is essential.

You must have documentation for your dog on hand. This includes proof that the dog in question is a service dog. I understand that this goes against how some other countries opperate, but it seems to be the rules there. I was asked for this documentation when applying for her authorisation.

You may be asked to sit in a separate area. No, Iceland doesn’t hate blind people, but they are very careful about animals entering in the country. According to the airline I’m travelling with this means service dog handlers may have to sit in their own area while they wait for their next flight.

Your dog will need a European Pet Passport, or a health certificate.

Getting the authorisation isn’t all that difficult. You simpley have to send an email with the following information:

Your name and address.

The name, breed, weight and microchip number of your service dog.

Your flight details, including date, time, flight number and duration of stay in the airport.

Proof that the dog is a service dog. This can include a letter from your doctor, or in my case the Assistance Dogs UK booklet that I have for Isla.